Qi Hao replied, “This master is proficient in grade 3 Genesis Runes.”
“Grade 3 Genesis Runes.” Wei Qingqing’s pretty eyes brightened. Such talent was extremely rare even in the entire Great Zhou Empire. Looks like Qi Hao had indeed invested a great deal of time and effort.
“Then I’ll have to thank you.” Wei Qingqing nodded as a smile emerged on her face.
“Don’t worry about it, it’s only natural that I do so. As his big bro, seeing little Bin’s state makes my heart ache.” Qi Hao smiled, continuously trying to better the relationship between them through his words.
Zhou Yuan frowned as he observed from the side with the cool eyes of a bystander. It seems that Qi Manor was becoming more and more aggressive, even investing a lot of thought into this issue and inviting a Genesis Rune expert over. If they managed to cure Wei Bin, the Wei family would owe them a huge debt of gratitude. When that happened, even someone like Wei Canglan would likely be shaken no matter how firm on neutrality he currently seemed.
Moreover, Zhou Yuan’s most important mission this time was to ensure Wei Canglan did not side with Qi Manor.
Zhou Yuan’s eyes flickered with thought, before he lifted his head and smiled at Wei Qingqing. “It just so happens that we also intend to pay great general Wei a visit tomorrow.”
Wei Qingqing responded with a nod, before once againing turned towards Qi Hao and began bombarding him with questions regarding the background of the Genesis Rune expert. It was clear that this was very important to her.
Qi Hao wore a slight smile of his face, a pleased look flitting across his eyes as he shot a glance at Zhou Yuan.
…
As the sky grew darker, the welcome party came to an end.
A contemplative look decorated Zhou Yuan’s face as he and his group returned to their allocated lodgings. Beside him, Lu Tieshan’s expression was rather grim. After a quick scan of their surroundings, he said in a low voice, “Your highness, if Qi Hao really manages to cure Wei Bin, our situation here will become rather problematic.”
Receiving such a huge favor would likely make Wei Canglan lean towards Qi Manor. After all, Wei Bin was the only son of the Wei family and only he could carry on their bloodline.
Zhou Yuan gravely nodded.
Soon after, he looked towards Yaoyao and asked, “Big sis Yaoyao, will you accompany me tomorrow?”
Yaoyao slightly rotated her head, casting a glance at Zhou Yuan. Even under the night sky, her gorgeous face gave off a faint jade glow. “When the time comes, I will help you take a look.”
After speaking, entered her tent with Tuntun in her arms.
Zhou Yuan could only worriedly scratch his head in response to her curt answer.
…
The next day.
Zhou Yuan, Lu Tieshan, Yaoyao and Su Youwei saw the waiting Wei Qingqing, Qi Hao and the rest when they arrived at the east gate of the barracks.
However, there was now one more person at Qi Hao’s side, a grizzled hair old man. This elder had a pair of sunken eyes which appeared rather cold and stern. His expression was indifferent, making him appear rather arrogant.
Before this elder, even Wei Qingqing was wearing a slight smile on her face.
“Your highness, are all of you ready?” Upon seeing that Zhou Yuan and his group of four had arrived, Wei Qingqing smiled before pointing at the elder beside her and said, “This is master Ying, the Genesis Rune master Qi Hao invited to help expel the poison in my little brother.”
After hearing Wei Qingqing’s introduction, master Ying swept an indifferent glance at Zhou Yuan and gave a slight nod, his expression still filled with arrogance.
The strength of a master that could draw grade 3 Genesis Runes was comparable to a Heaven Gate stage practitioner. However, such masters were very rare in the Great Zhou Empire.
“A mere grade 3 Genesis Rune and he dares to call himself a master. The one beside me hasn’t even said anything.” Zhou Yuan mumbled in his heart as he nodded at master Ying.
“Let’s go.”
Wei Qingqing did not waste any more time, evidently rather anxious. With a wave of her hand, her steed shot forward, galloping straight towards Canglan County city.
Qi Hao pulled the reins of his horse, coming to Zhou Yuan’s side with a playful smile as he said in a low voice, “Your highness, I’m afraid that Canglan County will no longer welcome you after today. I suggest that you scram back to Great Zhou City as soon as possible.”
With a loud laugh, he kicked his horse and the fiery-red steed also shot forward.
Zhou Yuan’s eyes turned frosty as he watched Qi Hao’s leaving figure. Without further ado, Zhou Yuan also waved his hand, bringing the group along as they swiftly caught up.
He was still somewhat doubtful. Why did a master proficient in grade 3 Genesis Runes have such confidence in dealing with the Black Venom King’s poison? A poison that even an Alpha-Origin stage practitioner would be greatly wary of.
He really wanted to see just what kind of tricks Qi Hao was going to pull today!
Chapter 65 Getting Rid of the Poison
The general’s residence stood at the center of Canglan County city and was undoubtedly the most well guarded place in the entire city. In fact, detachments of patrolling guards could be seen patrolling the streets as the group neared their destination.
Fortunately, with Wei Qingqing leading them, they did not face any obstructions all the way to the general’s residence.
The group got off their horses and entered the residence, walking past several corridors and courtyards before finally arriving at the main hall.
The moment they stepped through the doors, Zhou Yuan’s gaze was cast towards the master’s seat where a middle aged man was seated. He wore purple robes and appeared rather lean, while numerous little black dots were visible on his face.
An extremely strong presence emanated from his body as he sat there, causing Zhou Yuan and the rest to feel some pressure.
Evidently, this middle aged man in purple was the great general of the Great Zhou Empire, Wei Canglan.
Wei Qingqing called out as she entered the main hall, “Father.”
Wei Canglan raised his head and looked at the group. His gaze paused on Zhou Yuan for a moment as he rose and said in an indifferent voice, “Wei Canglan greets his highness Zhou Yuan.”
Zhou Yuan cupped his fists together. “Zhou Yuan greets great general. Father has asked me to ask how you are doing.”
Wei Canglan’s expression did not change as he replied in a flat voice, “I’m not doing too great.”
Zhou Yuan’s eyes lowered slightly. It was obvious that Wei Canglan still held a grudge from his response.
After answering Zhou Yuan, Wei Canglan turned his gaze towards Qi Hao and the elder beside him. “I believe that this honoured guest is master Ying right? I have long heard of you.”
His cold face grew much kinder at this moment, clearly aimed at master Ying.
“Greetings great general.”
Master Ying withdrew his arrogance in front of Wei Canglan, respectfully bowing as he cupped his fists together.
Wei Canglan asked, “I heard from my little girl that master is adept in the art of Genesis Runes and specializes in poison expelling Genesis Runes?”
Master Ying smiled slightly as he answered, “General’s son has been afflicted by the Devil Miasma Poison, right? I once encountered this poison while in Blackwater and ultimately managed to neutralize it.”
Upon hearing these words, Wei Qingqing’s face immediately filled with joy, growing respect in her eyes as she looked at master Ying. Even a smile had emerged on Wei Canglan’s solemn face.
Wei Canglan cupped his fists and said, “Then we’ll have to trouble master Ying. I will be greatly thankful if you cure my son!”
Qi Hao smiled a little at this moment. “Great general need not be so courteous. It’s mostly thanks to my father that we managed to invite master Ying this time.”
Wei Canglan’s
expression fluctuated for a moment. Qi Hao’s words were clear. Accepting master Ying’s help would be akin to accepting Qi Manor’s good will.
Although this did not mean that they would now side with Qi Manor, Canglan County’s neutral position would be slightly affected.
Wei Canglan shot a glance at Zhou Yuan as he hesitated for a while. However, his love for his only son ultimately won and he said in a low voice, “Then I’ll have to thank Qi Manor for their kindness. If my son is cured, I will surely pay a visit to give my thanks.”
A grin was revealed on Qi Hao’s face as he covetedly swept a pleased glance at Zhou Yuan. If Wei Canglan visited Qi Manor, it would undoubtedly signal to numerous factions that the great general’s faction was no longer neutral.
This would undoubtedly affect the Great Zhou Empire’s current state of affairs.
Zhou Yuan was expressionless as he lowered his gaze slightly, while anxiety flitted across Lu Tieshan’s eyes.
Wei Qingqing cast them an apologetic look but did not say anything. The poison in Wei Ben was a thorn in their entire family’s hearts, and they had did all they could to help him recover.
Now that such a hard to come by chance to resolve the problem had appeared, they were naturally unwilling to give up on it.
Wei Canglan was rather anxious as his gaze turned towards master Ying. “There is no time to lose, please start the treatment.”
Master Ying responded with an indifferent nod.
Upon seeing this, Wei Canglan said to Wei Qingqing, “Qingqing, arrange a place for prince Zhou Yuan to rest.”
Zhou Yuan interjected at this moment, “Great general, please allow us come along and have a look. It just so happens that I too study the art of Genesis Runes, and hope to observe master Ying’s techniques such that I may learn a thing or two.”
Wei Canglan hesitated for a while. It was not appropriate for him to reject since he had done a disservice to Zhou Yuan earlier and thus looked towards master Ying.
Master Ying merely swept an eye at Zhou Yuan as a smile of disdain formed on his mouth. “Since your highness is also proficient in the ways of Genesis Runes, feel free to follow and have a look. However, my skills are not so easily learnt.”
Evidently, he was under the impression that Zhou Yuan wanted to steal his techniques.
“Then let’s go.” Wei Canglan did not waste any more time upon seeing this and led the way out of the hall, heading towards the rear courtyard, while everyone else quickly followed.
A spacious and brightly lit room was located in the rear courtyard.
Wei Canglan practically flooded in with the rest. As Zhou Yuan’s eyes swept around the place, he saw a young nine year old boy on the bed. The boy’s face was sickly pale, and black dots could be seen all over body, dots that gave off a foul smell.
Currently, the boy was shyly peeking at the huge group that had entered.
When Wei Qingqing saw this, she hurriedly walked forward and soothed him in a soft voice, “Don’t be afraid little brother, they have come to help you get rid of the poison.”
There was no longer any trace of the valiance she had displayed in the barracks.
Wei Canglan tenderly gazed at the young boy as he walked forward and gently stroked the latter’s head. Subsequently, hope-filled eyes turned towards master Ying. “Please help him master.”
Master Ying strutted over as Wang Canglan hastily gave up his seat. After being seated, master Ying looked at the black spots on Wei Bin’s body and said, “The poison has already entered deep into the bone. This is very serious indeed. If delayed any longer, I’m afraid that he would not longer be able to keep his life.”
The moment these words were said, Wei Qingqing paled, while Wei Canglan’s expression changed.
“Master, you have to save my little brother!” Wei Qingqing begged with red eyes.
Qi Hao stepped forward, his hand landing on Wei Qingqing’s shoulder as he consoled in soft voice, “Don’t worry Qingqing, master Ying will definitely save him.”
Wei Qingqing promptly nodded, taking no notice of the hand that was now on her shoulder.
Master Ying smiled as he nodded and pridefully said, “General Wei and miss Wei can rest easy. Since I have come, I’m naturally confident in dealing with the poison.”
“Undress young master Wei.” Master Ying instructed with a wave of his hand.
A servant girl immediately stepped forward from the side and very carefully removed Wei Bin’s clothes, revealing the black dots and pale body underneath.
Master Ying retrieved a dark grey Genesis Brush from his waist, concentrating slightly as the brush descended. The brush tip flickered as it slowly painted cryptic stroke after stroke on Wei Bin’s body.
Everyone held their breaths, afraid to make even the slightest noise.
Wei Qingqing’s and Wei Canglan’s faces were filled with anxiety and hope, while Qi Hao wore a faint smile. There was a pleased look in his eyes as he looked towards Zhou Yuan and the rest from time to time, as if victory was already in his grasp.
Zhou Yuan was expressionless, while a restless Lu Tieshan tightly clenched his fists.
They knew that their situation in Canglan County would become extremely thorny if master Ying succeeded in curing Wei Bin. Moreover, the subsequent contest for the treasure of the ruins would become extremely disadvantageous.
After all, given their strength, it would be very difficult to put up a fight against those from Blackwater without Wei Canglan’s support.
The implications of this matter were really far too great.
While varying expressions decorated everyone’s faces, Yaoyao carried Tuntun in her arms, her beautiful face indifferent and her bright eyes faintly flickering as she observed the Genesis Rune being drawn by master Ying.
Chapter 66 Exposed
The room was stiflingly silent and no one dared to speak. The only noise that could be heard was the nearly inaudible rustle of master Ying’s Genesis Rune Brush across the skin.
As time slowly flowed, an extremely complicated rune began to emerge on Wei Bin’s body. The rune extended across half of his body and gave off a faint yet astonishing aura.
“It’s a grade 3 Genesis Rune!” There was a grave expression on Wei Canglan's face. Soon after, he remarked with a sigh of admiration, “But it looks to be a support type rune, so little Bin's weak body should be able to handle its power.”
With one last hooking motion, master Ying's brush tip completed the final stroke. If one took a look at this moment, one would see a mysterious glow emerge from the now complete Genesis Rune. The light spread a little before shrinking back, burrowing into Wei Bin's body.
Wei Bin released a groan of pain as he tightly clenched his fists.
Upon seeing this, Wei Qingqing anxiously called out, “Little brother!”
Master Ying smiled faintly and said, “No need to worry miss Wei, my Genesis Rune has begun neutralizing the poison, a process that will be a little painful.”
Wei Qingqing nodded when she heard his explanation. She could only try to restraint the worry in her heart though her gaze never budged an inch from Wei Bin.
A long and tense wait ensued, before everyone discovered that the black spots on Wei Bin's body had indeed started to show signs of receding. In a short few minutes, the originally appalling black dots had completely vanished.
“The Devil Miasma Poison has been neutralized?!” Wei Qingqing's shocked voice rang out as joy flooded her face.
Wei Canglan's eyes were wide open, his fists tightly clenched, his heart trembling with emotion.
Master Ying proudly said, “I came across this grade 3 Genesis Rune by chance. It is known as the Poison Neutralization Rune and is capable of neutralizing all poisons, even one as domineering as the Devil Miasma Poison.”
Wei Canglan nodded as he sighed in admiration, “The Poison Neutralization Rune is indeed very formidable. Although it is only grade 3, it has managed to dispel even the Black Venom King's Devil Miasma Poison.�
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He looked towards master Ying and respectfully cupped his fists. “Master Ying is truly the benefactor of my Wei family.”
Wei Qingqing also hastily bowed towards master Ying.
Master Ying responded with a light smile, “I came here on the request of another.”
Wei Canglan could not help but sigh in his heart as he glanced at the smiling Qi Hao and the expressionless Zhou Yuan. This debt of gratitude was really far too great.
Wei Canglan said, “Your highness, you should temporarily stay in the barracks. A storm is stirring over Canglan County and all sorts of characters have gathered here. The barracks is the safest place for you.”
Lu Tieshan's expression changed slightly. Did Weird Canglan intend to confine them to the barracks? If so, how would they be able to vie for the Fire Spirit Grain and Jade Infant Fruit?
Qi Hao had a faint smile on his face as he looked towards Zhou Yuan, a toying smile overflowing with mockery.
Wei Qingqing sighed inwardly and shook her head.
“What are all of you so happy about?” As the atmosphere grew heavier, an indifferent yet melodious voice was heard. Everyone turned, only to find that it was Yaoyao who had spoken.
Qi Hao chuckled and said, “Hehe, young master Wei's poison has be successfully neutralized and is on route to a full recovery. Is this not a matter worth celebrating?”
Yaoyao stroked Tuntun's fur as she said, “It would certainly be a happy event if the poison was fully neutralized, but I'm afraid that such superficial effort would instead hurt him even more.”
The expression of everyone in the room changed the moment these words were said.
Master Ying was the first to react. His expression frosty as he scolded in anger, “Little girl, what nonsense are you spouting!”
Wei Canglan frowned deeply, his eyes like a lion's as he stared at Yaoyao. “What do you mean young miss? If you are spouting nonsense, I'm afraid that I will have to teach you a lesson even if you are part of his highness’ entourage.”
Yaoyao paid no attention to them, walking towards the bed instead as her eyes swept over Wei Bin while her red lips parted slightly, “Poison Neutralization Rune? What a joke.”
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 43
